Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

More than 600 “squirming, giggling excited youngsters” had a Christmas dream come true at the Pantages Theater in Spokane.

It was the annual kids’ Christmas party, organized by Mrs. E. Clarke, the wife of the manager. She had invited 300 children from every orphanage and children’s home in the city and had them driven to the theater in limousines and fancy cars. She also arranged to have many more children brought in, “vouched for by the Spokane Social Service Bureau.”

“In fact, every tot with a wistful eye who appeared at the theater entrance during the afternoon was hustled into a good seat, whether vouched for or not,” said the paper.

Mrs. Walker welcomed the happy crowd, and was interrupted by the sound of sleigh bells. Santa Claus (actually veteran actor Guy Woodward) romped down the aisle, and then lit up a big Christmas tree on stage.

Then he distributed bags of candy and nuts to every child in the theater.

After that, the kids were treated to the regular Pantages variety show.

“The performers never had a more appreciative audience,” said the paper.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1947: The original version of the puppet character Howdy Doody made its TV debut on NBC’s “Puppet Playhouse.”